EDMONTON – The more things change, the more they stay the same.

The Edmonton Oilers know this better than anyone. There is natural turnover from one season to the next.

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Last year, the organization saw departures from Vincent Desharnais, Warren Foegele, Dylan Holloway, and Philip Broberg. This summer, the likes of Corey Perry and Connor Brown are two players who decided to accept free agent contracts elsewhere.

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However, it’s not just the NHLers who accept offers to play on new teams. AHLers and prospects often take whatever opportunities are afforded to them.

Luca Munzenberger has signed a contract to play for the Kolner Haie Sharks (Cologne Sharks) of the DEL in Germany. The 22-year-old defender has played the past four years at the University of Vermont in the NCAA and agreed to the new contract early Friday morning on July 4th.

He was initially selected in the third round of the 2021 entry draft. According to Puckpedia, the Oilers must sign him before August 15th to retain his NHL rights. Now that he’s joined the DEL, that will not happen.  

Munzenberger is a left-handed defender with good size (6-foot-2) and mobility. He is coming off his best offensive year in the NCAA, with 12 points in 31 games.

Luca will join his brother, Marco, who currently plays for the team. Two other former members of the Oilers organization will welcome him to the organization: Patrick Russell and Josh Currie. 

“I’m very happy to be returning to Cologne,” Luca revealed in the team’s press release of the signing. “I’ve followed the Haie from afar over the past few years, not only because of my brother Marco.”

“I’m looking forward to contributing my part and getting to know the DEL.”

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